I've been thinking about buying either a TX200HC or HW97KT (although I generally prefer sporter stocks I really don't like the 97KS). I haven't been able to do a direct comparison as my local RFDs don't have both in stock. So I'd appreciate views from anyone who has owned both... not so much about initial reactions and preferences but more about how you've found the feel and handling in the longer term.

I've been able to try the 97K side by side with a TX200 Mk3 and my immediate reaction was the TX200 is very front-heavy in comparison and doesn't balance well in artillery hold. I'm thinking the shorter barrel on the HC will be an improvement but not enough. If I was shooting from a bench rest I'd go for the TX200 but I really wouldn't want to be hunting with one.

Both good guns in the right environment, not for me though, we spoke before about this, and my recommendation then was the HW95 a good lightweight hunting rifle, either calibre will do, but the .177 can need calming a bit, I have and use both calibres and get on well with them, up to you. Rog

I tried the HW95 with moderator, Roger, and found it rather too long - one of the reasons I don't use my S400 much. And the neck is a bit square and uncomfortable... another general feature of recent Weihrauch S stocks.

Anyways, the TX200HC is on hold as I've just taken a 97KT on loan. A few niggles already - things that I didn't pick up at the RFDs - which proves the point that you really need to own (or borrow) one for a while to get to really know one. For example, the automatic safety is a pain with the thumbhole stock as it can't be reached with the trigger hand.

So I'm still interested in owners experiences. I know there are a lot of old discussions in other forums but I wanted to get beyond the mostly superficial partisan comments. I didn't know when I compared the TX200 with the 97KT, the 97 is actually heavier. The one I tried even more than std spec because it had an adjustable butt pad, which may have helped with the balance. So I'm sceptical about comments that the TX200HC is better balanced than the HW97K. The other thing that niggles is there is a fair amount of torque when my HW97 is fired, despite it being fitted with a spring guide, so I'm wondering if it has been badly tuned - chopped spring, no isolating washers perhaps - or if this is normal.

I'm still looking to try a TX200HC. At least I now have a comparison to take with me.

I currently have both, a bog standard HC with TBT kit in and a Paul Short stage 3 tuned 97 with custom stock, trigger, jewelled comp tube etc. Because I only need one gun I have put the 97 up for sale as, for all its awesomeness, I prefer the TX. If I had to put a reason to it I'd struggle as I can't really nail down why. I am going to get the action tuned by either Paul Short or Tony Leach and stick it in a CS800 stock and it will be my do everything gun. I do think the HW is a more "solid" rifle, I suspect a heavier steel is used but something about the TX brings me back to it every time. In the end, only you can decide.

My problem is not being able to try one! None of my local RFDs have the HC in stock, new or used, and I don't know anyone local who has one. We are not well placed for AA dealers in N Wilts, S Glos, Bristol and N Somerset. Reluctant to buy anything I haven't tried. Sad to say AA has lost a sale through poor dealership coverage.

Thanks for the advice. Ended up buying a 97k simply because I had the chance of used one at a good price and couldn't find a TX200HC locally to try, or one anywhere at a comparable price. Shoots well so I'm not disappointed with it, just that I couldn't try the HC. AA's loss given I was prepared to buy new subject to being able to try one first.

Well I got a decent gun and Air Arms lost a sale, which hardly makes them a winner! Would you buy a car without a test drive?

Coincidentally, I took the 97kt out yesterday, the first time in 3 weeks. After checking zero at 30yds, I put the next 6 consecutive shots at 60 yds in a 25mm group around my aim point. That'll do for me. Light was fading so I put it back in the bag. Whether the HC is better is immaterial. It's for plinking. If I have a job to do it's a PCP every time.